How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Alabama

Moving within Alabama means you need to update your address on your driver license and vehicle records. The process in Alabama is fairly straightforward once you know which office handles what, and what you can (and cannot) do online.

This guide walks through how an Alabama DMV change of address works, step by step, so you can keep your records up to date with as little hassle as possible.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Alabama?

In Alabama, the traditional “DMV” functions are split between two main agencies:

  • Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) – handles:

    • Driver licenses and learner permits
    • State ID cards
    • Commercial driver licenses (CDLs)
    • Address changes on these credentials

  • County License Plate Issuing Official (usually your county probate judge, license commissioner, or revenue office) – handles:

    • Vehicle registration and tags
    • Titles
    • Address changes for vehicle records

What this means for you in Alabama:

  • Driver license / ID address change
    In Alabama, this is typically handled by ALEA driver license offices or ALEA’s official online services.
  • Vehicle registration / title address change
    Depending on your county in Alabama, this is handled by your county licensing office, not ALEA.

Many drivers in Alabama find that they need to visit or contact two different entities if they want every record (license and vehicle) updated after a move.

If you are unsure which county office you need, you can:

  • Go to the main Alabama state government website and look up “license plate issuing officials,” or
  • Search online for “[Your County] Alabama license plate issuing official” to find official contact details (make sure the site ends in .gov).

Why Updating Your Address in Alabama Matters

Updating your address with the Alabama DMV-related agencies is about more than just getting the correct street printed on your license.

In Alabama, keeping your address current is important because:

  • Law enforcement and identification
    Your Alabama driver license or ID is a primary form of identification. If your address is out of date, it can create issues when:

    • Interacting with law enforcement
    • Completing certain financial or legal transactions
    • Verifying identity for jobs, housing, or benefits

  • Official mail and notices
    Depending on your county in Alabama, important mail about your driver license or vehicle registration may still arrive by postal mail, such as:

    • Renewal reminders
    • Possible suspension notices
    • Registration or insurance compliance letters

    If your address is wrong, you may miss deadlines or warnings that affect your driving privileges.

  • Vehicle registration and property location
    In Alabama, vehicle registration and ad valorem taxes are tied to where the vehicle is garaged or primarily used, which is usually your home address. If your registration still shows an old county or address:

    • Tax calculations may be incorrect
    • You may be assigned to the wrong county office or tag schedule

  • Voting and jury lists linkage
    While voter registration is handled separately, many Alabama residents find that having consistent addresses across state records (license, voter registration, and vehicle registration) helps prevent confusion with jury summonses and voting locations.

Keeping your address updated with both ALEA and your county license office reduces the risk of missed notices, incorrect registration, or questions about your identity.

What You’ll Need for an Alabama Address Change

In Alabama, this is typically handled with a relatively short list of information, but being prepared helps avoid multiple trips or rejected online requests.

Common information and documents

You should expect to need:

  • Your current Alabama driver license or ID card
    • For online transactions, you’ll usually need:
      • License or ID number
      • Date of birth
      • Possibly the issue date or last four digits of your SSN (if prompted)
  • New physical address in Alabama
    • Street address (no P.O. Box as the primary residential address for a license)
    • City, state (AL), ZIP code
  • Mailing address (if different)
    • In rural parts of Alabama, you may use:
      • P.O. Box
      • Rural route or highway contract route
    • Many Alabama drivers in rural areas list a physical 911 address for residence and a P.O. Box for mailing; be ready to provide both if allowed.
  • Vehicle information (for registration/title address updates)
    • License plate (tag) number
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if requested
    • Year, make, and model of each vehicle

You may also be asked to provide proof of your new address, especially in person. Depending on the office, this can include items such as:

  • Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
  • Bank statement or paycheck stub
  • Official mail from a government agency

Because requirements can vary, especially from county to county in Alabama, it’s wise to check with the specific office you plan to visit to see which documents they accept.

Why requests get rejected in Alabama

Address change requests in Alabama can be delayed or rejected for reasons like:

  • Information mismatch – Name, date of birth, or license number doesn’t match state records.
  • Non-residential address – Trying to use a P.O. Box as your residential address on a driver license when a physical address is required.
  • Out-of-state move – You’ve moved out of Alabama; at that point you generally need to get a new license in your new state instead of updating Alabama records.
  • Incomplete county requirements – For vehicle records, some county offices in Alabama may require extra forms or personal appearance, especially if you’re switching counties.
  • Unpaid fees or issues on your record – Certain pending issues on your license or registration might block an online Alabama DMV change of address until resolved.

If your request is rejected online, the next step is often to contact ALEA or your county office directly or go in person.

Step-by-Step Address Change Options in Alabama

In Alabama, driver license/ID address changes and vehicle registration address changes are usually handled separately, even though people often refer to both as a “DMV change of address Alabama.”

Below are the typical options.

1. Changing Your Address Online in Alabama (If Eligible)

In Alabama, this is typically handled through ALEA’s official online services for driver licenses and IDs. Online options for vehicle registration address changes may differ by county.

A. Driver license or ID – Online

To find the correct online portal:

  1. Go to the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website (look for .gov in the address).
  2. Navigate to the Driver License section and look for:
    • “Online Services” or
    • “Driver License Renewal and Duplicates” or
    • Any link referencing address change.

From there, the process usually involves:

  1. Sign in or verify your identity

    • Enter your driver license or ID number
    • Provide your date of birth and other requested details

  2. Enter your new address

    • Type your new residential address in Alabama
    • Add a separate mailing address if allowed and needed (e.g., P.O. Box in rural areas)

  3. Review and confirm

    • Verify spelling, apartment or lot numbers, and ZIP code
    • Confirm that this is your current residence in Alabama

  4. Pay any applicable fee (if required)

    • Some online address changes in Alabama may be combined with ordering a replacement license, which can involve a fee.
    • Do not proceed if the site you’re on does not clearly identify itself as an official Alabama government or ALEA site.

  5. Submit and save confirmation

    • Save or print any confirmation page or email for your records.

Many drivers in Alabama find that using ALEA’s official online system is the fastest way to complete a DMV change of address, AL, especially if they also need a replacement card with the new address.

B. Vehicle registration/title – Online or by portal

For vehicle records, online address change availability can vary by county:

  • Some counties in Alabama offer online tag renewal portals where you can also update address information.
  • Other counties may require in-person visits or mail-in updates for address changes.

To check your options:

  1. Search for “[Your County] Alabama online tag renewal” and confirm the site is a .gov domain.
  2. Look for options like:
    • “Update address”
    • “Change owner information”
  3. If no clear online option appears, contact your county office directly for instructions.

2. Changing Your Address In Person in Alabama

In-person visits are the most direct way to ensure your record is updated correctly, especially after complex moves (like changing both name and address, or moving between counties).

A. Driver license or ID – In person at ALEA/driver license office

In Alabama, this is typically handled at:

  • ALEA driver license exam offices, or
  • County offices authorized to issue driver licenses on ALEA’s behalf.

Typical steps:

  1. Locate the right office

    • Visit the ALEA website and use the office locator for driver license services, or
    • Search “ALEA driver license office near me” and verify you’re on an official .gov site.

  2. Gather documents

    • Current Alabama driver license or ID
    • Proof of new residential address, if required by that office
    • Any supporting documents if you are also changing your name

  3. Check if an appointment is required

    • Some ALEA locations in Alabama operate by appointment for certain services; others accept walk-ins.
    • In busy areas like Birmingham, Huntsville, or Montgomery, checking for appointments can save time.

  4. Request an address change

    • Tell the clerk you need a driver license/ID address change.
    • Complete any form provided (this may effectively serve as the Alabama DMV change of address form for your license).

  5. Confirm if a new card is issued

    • In some cases, your address is updated in the system and you receive a replacement license or ID with the new address.
    • Ask whether your old card remains valid until the new one arrives and how long that typically takes.

Depending on your county in Alabama, wait times can vary. Going early in the day or mid-week can sometimes reduce the time spent in line.

B. Vehicle registration/title – In person at county license office

For vehicle-related address changes, in-person visits go to your county license plate issuing official, not ALEA.

Steps:

  1. Find your county license office

    • Search “[Your County] Alabama license plate issuing official” or check the state’s main site for the statewide list of county offices.

  2. Bring required documents

    • Current registration or tag receipt
    • Vehicle information (VIN, plate number)
    • New address details
    • Proof of address, if requested
    • Valid Alabama driver license or ID

  3. Ask to update address on vehicle records

    • Clarify whether you’ve moved:
      • Within the same county, or
      • To a different county in Alabama

    Depending on your county in Alabama, moving between counties may trigger additional steps or paperwork.

  4. Confirm changes

    • Ask if your new address will appear on:
      • Registration records only
      • Title records as well
    • Check whether you’ll receive a new registration card, or if the change only updates the internal records.

3. Changing Your Address by Mail in Alabama (If Available)

Alabama does not always prominently promote a mail-in address change for driver licenses, and availability can vary or change over time. Similarly, some counties may allow address updates for vehicle records by mail, while others do not.

Because the rules can shift, do not rely on mail-in options unless:

  • You have verified on the official ALEA website that a mail-in address change is currently accepted for driver licenses/IDs, and
  • Your county license office has clearly confirmed that vehicle registration address changes can be done by mail and has provided instructions.

If mail-in is permitted, it will typically involve:

  • Completing a specific address change form (this may serve as the Alabama DMV change of address form).
  • Providing a copy of your current license or ID.
  • Including proof of address and any required payment.
  • Mailing everything to the address specified on the official form or state website.

If you do not see clear, updated instructions on an official .gov website, it’s safer to proceed online or in person rather than guessing.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve completed your Alabama DMV change of address (for your license, registration, or both), here’s what to expect.

Driver license or ID

After ALEA processes your address change:

  • Internal record update
    Your new address is stored in the ALEA driver license system. Law enforcement and state agencies will see the updated information when they access your record.

  • Replacement card (when applicable)
    If your transaction included a new physical license/ID:

    • A new card is typically printed and mailed to the address you provided.
    • Timeframes can vary; avoid giving an address if you won’t have access to mail there long enough to receive the card.

  • Confirmation

    • For online changes, you may receive an email or on-screen confirmation.
    • For in-person, your receipt may indicate the updated address or note that a new card has been ordered.

Many drivers in Alabama find that keeping a copy of the receipt or confirmation in their vehicle is helpful until their new card arrives.

Vehicle registration and title

After your county license office updates your address:

  • Registration records
    The address shown for your vehicle in the county’s system will reflect your new residence or mailing address.

  • Mailing of notices
    Future tag renewal notices and other correspondence should go to the new address you provided, though not all counties guarantee mailed reminders.

  • New documents
    Depending on the county in Alabama:

    • You may receive an updated registration card by mail or on the spot.
    • Title address records may be updated internally without generating a new printed title, unless a new title is otherwise requested.

If your county issues new documents, store them in your vehicle or another safe place as instructed.

Special Situations for Alabama Address Changes

Different life situations can change how you handle your Alabama DMV change of address.

Commercial drivers (CDL) in Alabama

For CDL holders:

  • In Alabama, this is typically handled by ALEA in accordance with both state and federal rules.
  • You will usually need to appear in person to update your CDL address, especially if a new physical card is required.
  • Bring:
    • Current CDL
    • Proof of new address
    • Any medical certification documents if you are updating other parts of your CDL record.

Because federal commercial driver rules are strict, CDL holders in Alabama should verify requirements directly with ALEA before attempting online changes.

Active-duty military and families

If you are active-duty military stationed in Alabama or an Alabama resident stationed elsewhere:

  • You may have extra flexibility for where your vehicle is registered and how your driver license address is handled.
  • In Alabama, this is often addressed through specific military-related provisions managed by ALEA and county offices.
  • Because situations vary widely (stationed in-state vs. out-of-state, Alabama resident vs. not), it’s best to:
    • Contact ALEA for driver license questions.
    • Contact your home or stationing county’s license office for registration questions.

Ask specifically how your military status interacts with address requirements and what documentation (orders, military ID) is needed.

College students

For students attending college in Alabama:

  • If you moved from one Alabama city to another primarily for school, you may still need to update your license address if your permanent residence has effectively changed.
  • Vehicle registration choices may depend on:
    • Whether the vehicle is registered in your name
    • Whether you intend to remain in Alabama or are a temporary resident

Many college students in Alabama find it helpful to speak with the county license official or ALEA about whether they should use their campus address or a permanent home address for licensing purposes.

New residents moving into Alabama

If you’ve moved into Alabama from another state:

  • An Alabama DMV change of address does not apply. Instead, you need to:
    • Apply for an Alabama driver license through ALEA, and
    • Register and title your vehicle in Alabama through your county license office.
  • You generally cannot simply change the address on your old out-of-state license; you must obtain an Alabama license once you become a resident.

Search the ALEA website for “new Alabama resident driver license” and your county’s site for “vehicle registration new resident” to confirm what to bring.

P.O. Boxes and rural routes

In rural areas of Alabama:

  • Many residents receive mail at:
    • P.O. Boxes
    • Rural route or highway contract routes

For driver license records:

  • A physical residential address is usually required for your primary address.
  • You may be allowed to add a mailing address (such as a P.O. Box) for correspondence.

For vehicle registration:

  • Your county office may ask where the vehicle is garaged and may let you list a separate mailing address.

If you rely on a P.O. Box in Alabama, clearly ask which address the agency needs for residence vs. mailing.

Changing your name and address at the same time

If you’ve changed both your name and address (e.g., after marriage or divorce), expect to:

  • Visit an ALEA driver license office in person with:
    • Proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
    • Proof of new address
    • Your current license or ID

You will likely need to update your name and address on your vehicle registration and title separately through the county. Requirements might include updated driver license and official proof of the name change.

Troubleshooting: If Your Alabama Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Problems can arise even when you follow the steps carefully. Here’s how to handle common issues with an Alabama DMV change of address.

Online address change rejected

If ALEA’s online system won’t process your address change:

  • Check your entries carefully
    • Confirm you entered your license/ID number, DOB, and SSN digits exactly as they appear on your documents.
  • Verify eligibility
    • Some licenses (such as certain CDLs, or records with specific flags) may not be eligible for online updates.
  • Try a different browser or device
    • Occasionally, technical issues are browser-related.

If it still won’t go through:

  • Note any error message.
  • Contact ALEA using the official contact information listed on their .gov website and explain:
    • That you attempted an online address change
    • What error appeared
    • Whether your address or name has changed previously.

You may be directed to complete the change in person.

You submitted an address change, but your records still show the old address

If your driver license or vehicle records still display the old address after you’ve submitted a change:

  1. Allow processing time
    • Online and mail-in updates can take time to fully appear in all systems.
  2. Check your receipt or confirmation
    • Make sure you actually completed the address change step and not just viewed your record.
  3. Contact the office that handled your request
    • For driver licenses, contact ALEA.
    • For vehicle registration, contact your county license office.

Be ready to provide:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Driver license or ID number
  • License plate number (for vehicles)
  • Date and method of your address change request

Rejected in-person request

If an in-person address change is rejected:

  • Ask the clerk exactly what is missing:
    • Do you need a different proof of address?
    • Are you in the wrong office (e.g., city vs. county vs. ALEA)?
    • Is there a hold or issue on your record?
  • Request a printed list or written explanation of what you must bring or do next.

In Alabama, front-counter staff can often tell you whether the problem is:

  • Documentation (solved by bringing more/other documents), or
  • A record issue (solved by contacting a different division or resolving a separate matter).

License updated but registration did not (or vice versa)

Because licenses and vehicle registrations are handled by different offices in Alabama, it’s common for one record to be updated and the other not.

If:

  • Your license shows the new address, but your registration does not:
    • Contact your county license plate issuing official and request an address update for your vehicles.
  • Your registration shows the new address, but your driver license still lists the old address:
    • Go to an ALEA driver license office or use ALEA’s online services (if eligible) to update your license information.

Many drivers in Alabama assume that changing one automatically updates the other; in practice, you often need to update both sets of records separately.

You moved out of Alabama

If you’ve moved out of Alabama:

  • You typically do not file an Alabama DMV change of address.
  • Instead:
    • Apply for a driver license in your new state.
    • Register and title your vehicles there, following that state’s rules.
  • Your new state generally notifies Alabama authorities, especially for driver license status.

If you are concerned about old Alabama records or tags:

  • You can contact ALEA for driver license questions.
  • You can call or email your former Alabama county license office to ask how to handle old registrations or tags, including whether to return them.

Keeping your address current on your Alabama driver license, ID, and vehicle registration helps ensure that state agencies, law enforcement, and courts can reach you when needed, and that your identification matches where you actually live.

Your next steps:

  1. Update your driver license/ID through ALEA (online if eligible, or in person).
  2. Update your vehicle registration/title with your county license plate issuing official.
  3. Keep any confirmations and new documents in a safe place, and verify your updated information the next time you renew.

By handling both sides—ALEA for licenses and your county for vehicles—you’ll complete a thorough Alabama DMV change of address and avoid surprises down the road.